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About Me

I am a below knee amputee. More importantly, I am also Mommy to two boys, a very active 10 year old (Robby) and an mischievous toddler (Timmy). I have learned that being a parent with a disability can create some unusual and sometimes humorous situations.
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Monday, May 28, 2012

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day! I have to admit that this is one of my favorite
holidays. I love any celebration where friends and family can gather
without spending an obscene amount of money on gifts. Warm weather,
burgers, corn on the grill, and making s'mores over the fire pit is
how I plan to spend my day!

Of course I realize that Memorial Day is not simply about
barbecues and picnic fun. This is also a solemn day to honor the
sacrifices made by our military. I have been fortunate enough to visit
Walter Reed on many occasions throughout the years, and with each visit, I leave a
changed person.
I am in awe of the strength and
courage that is shown by our men and women in the military. Looking at
the young faces on battered bodies leaves me with an overwhelming sense
of debt and gratitude. I simply don't possess the courage that is
demonstrated by members of our armed forces on a daily basis.

During
the past few days my Pop (maternal grandfather) has been on my mind.
He spent his career in the Air Force serving during World War II,
the Korean War, and the beginning of Vietnam. It was only when I became
older that I realized the magnitude of his sacrifices. I can't imagine
packing up my family every few years because I was obligated to "follow
orders." Leaving my spouse to fight a war in a foreign country, not
knowing if or when I would return home requires a sense of sacrifice
that I am not sure I would be able to muster.

A few
nights ago I had a dream where my Pop was hugging me. In my dream I told
myself to remember the feeling of his embrace because when I woke up he
would be gone again. I felt like a little girl, so safe and loved as I
was wrapped up in one of his bear hugs. When I woke, I immediately
closed my eyes trying to recreate his presence. I wasn't successful, but his hug, while it lasted, felt wonderful.

My Pop was
an amazing man and, although he has been gone for nearly 20 years, I
still mourn his passing. I am a better person because he was a part of
my life. Today I will be thinking about my Pop and about all of the
men and women who have passed away during or after their service to our
country. Happy Memorial Day!